It may be that cold weather is preventing you from enjoying your car or you want to keep it safe. Whatever the reason, storage can be an effective way to keep your valuable vehicle safe. Our battery conditioners and other storage options can help prevent damage in the coldest part of the year.
One of the many reasons you need to put time and care into preparation is because car batteries hate cold temperatures. This can leave you dealing with issues when you come to bring it out and use it again. Following these three steps will help set you up for success and also ensure you avoid problems in the spring. It is also wise to consider battery conditioners.
Cleaning
The battery, cable clamps and tray need cleaning prior to storage. First, remove the battery from its compartment. You can then create a paste from baking soda and water which will help to clean and neutralise any battery acid. It is important to do this as even the smallest accumulations of dirt and acid can enable minor amounts of current to flow between the terminals. Then, use clean water to rinse off the cleaner.
You should also use a wire brush on the terminals and cable clamps. This will remove all corrosion, grease and other contaminating material and leave the metal shiny. After this, apply dielectric grease to the terminals to prevent future corrosion occurring.
Inspecting
Check the battery with care, including the tray and the case. You should be looking for any leaks, cracks and corrosion. These can all compromise performance and even safety, making inspection vital. If there is an issue, you can then replace your battery.
In many classic cars, you will find a conventional (vented) battery. If this is the case, check that the electrolyte level is above the minimum and either at or below the maximum level line on the side.
On the other hand, you may have an Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) battery, also referred to as Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VLRA) or Maintenance Free. If so then don’t worry as these batteries are sealed and do not need checking.
You must choose a clean, dry location to store batteries over the winter. This needs to be where there would be no chance of it suffering damage or getting knocked over. Alternatively, a simple solution is to return it to the battery compartment and use a smart charger.
Attaching
If you want to avoid overcharging and potential damage, your best option is to use a battery conditioner with your vehicle. They keep it at the optimal level at all times. With the MXS 5.0, it can even work with changes in the temperature that would affect how fast it charges.
It doesn’t take much effort to keep your car safe when in storage. With the help of the services we provide here at Rudler Car Transportation & Storage, we can assist you in keeping your vehicle in great condition. This includes the use of our battery conditioners and other storage options. Reach out to us for more information on our work or for first class advice.